I don't know about working conditions at Shopify but I don't think the same mindset exists in Canada about working yourself into the ground for your startup.
I work for another startup - Wave Accounting. I left a fairly safe, well paying job to come here. I'm paid well, my work-life balance is great, and I love my work. And I have 3 kids and a wife who is in grad school (paying off my mortgage early helped with the decision, to be fair)
As far as the GGP comment, I know a few of the Shopify guys because they have a Winnipeg office and they're brilliant people. I'm sure it would be a treat to work there.
When you're young and feeling a bit adventurous or idealist, sure, make mistakes and try different things.
Keep in mind that the parent (top) said he's working in government, that's top-notch benefit that you can't get anywhere else. If startups can offer the same level of pay and benefit, even with risk, people will flock to startups.
Having said that, there's one more scenario that I've seen people prefer to choose:
1) Get a fairly stable job (albeit boring one)
2) Do 8-4PM
3) Work on side projects/hobby/small businesses on your free time
Why work for startups or small-medium companies where you may have to work slightly harder and get paid either slightly or way less?
I definitely see the appeal to that. Having some free time to work on whatever you want or even not to work at all is crucial and it just doesn't make sense for someone who has 3 kids and mortgage to pour all their time into startups.
I work for another startup - Wave Accounting. I left a fairly safe, well paying job to come here. I'm paid well, my work-life balance is great, and I love my work. And I have 3 kids and a wife who is in grad school (paying off my mortgage early helped with the decision, to be fair)
As far as the GGP comment, I know a few of the Shopify guys because they have a Winnipeg office and they're brilliant people. I'm sure it would be a treat to work there.